Operation Round-Up Reaches $1 Million in Donations! John L. Sims, NEC CEO
The holiday season is the natural time to reflect upon all the things we have to be thankful for. This season, there are many non-profits who are thankful to you, the members of Nueces Electric Cooperative, who generously round-up your electric bills and donate your change to Nueces Charities. This past November, Nueces Charities hit a milestone the Co-op had never dreamed of, $1 million dollars in donations! 100% of the funds donated are returned to the community to target improvements in education, health, hunger, abuse, homelessness and other human services. Operation Round-Up was originally created in 1989 by a fellow electric cooperative in South Carolina. In May of 1995, NEC decided to adopt the program and filed Articles of Incorporation with the Texas Secretary of State to create Nueces Charities, Inc. In the Operation Round-Up program, NEC members volunteer to “round up” their electric bills to the next dollar. Nueces Charities Inc. received the first donations from Operation Round-Up on March 24, 1997, for distribution to area charitable organizations who could serve the members of NEC. 20
Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014
Initially, the funds supported HALOFlight Air Ambulance Services after the organization battled financial troubles due to a reduction in Government funding. Operation Round-up and its donations virtually saved this vital, lifesaving organization in South Texas. Thanks to Operation Round up, NEC members have now donated over $270,000 to Halo Flight and has provided vital support to over sixty additional organizations. Nation-wide, 252 electric co-ops utilize the program and donate the funds in a variety of ways. Collectively, the spare change has added up to several hundred million dollars in assistance to charitable causes around the country. The help that co-ops have provided through Operation Round Up is an enduring embodiment of the co-op principle of “Concern for Community,” proving year-round—and for more than a quarter of a century—that those are more than just words. Selfless Intent The program’s founders established some key rules for Operation Round Up that the majority of co-ops have followed since. A separate entity (NEC formed Nueces Charities, Inc.) and a trust board, would decide how to disburse the donations. And the assistance
would not be restricted to co-op members but could be provided to anyone or any group within its service territory. Those decisions were intended to remove any doubt about the selfless intent of the program and make clear it would not be manipulated for the coop’s benefit. That approach has proved to be one of Operation Round Up’s greatest strengths, helping to ensure popular support while spreading the benefits far and wide. $6 a Year On average, an NEC Operation Round Up member donates about $6 a year by having his or her bills rounded up. It’s a small amount, but it quickly adds up to approximately $125,000 a year. Co-op members recognize the outsized impact garnered by their small sacrifices. As the program has become established Thank You Members! We would like to send a big ‘thank you’ to all the co-op members who help us help our communities through the Operation Round Up program. If you know of a community 501(c) 3 non-profit who could use a Nueces Charities Grant, please direct them to www.nuecescharities.org to download the application and view the application criteria and deadlines. www.nueceselectric.org
NEC Member Clarisse Blair is a BIG winner! Sugar and spice and everything nice make a good cake; but love and childhood memories make a delicious, and now award-winning, cheesecake.
Clarisse said she was reading an article in Texas Co-op Power magazine about Texas pecans and though, “I have a good recipe I could send.” And it sure was!
Congratulations to NEC member Clarisse Blair for placing in the Texas Co-op Power Holiday Baking Contest. She won $500 for her Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake recipe which can be found in this issue of Texas Co-op Power. With each bite just as delicious as the first, the recipe is the perfect mixture of pecans, creamy cheesecake, and just the right amount of sweetness to tame any dessert craving.
She was in Branson, MO on vacation with her husband, Harold, when she received the call that she was a winner. She said, “I just got so tickled. I just laughed and laughed because I was tickled to pieces.” Living in Texas, the pecan capital of the world, you know your pecan dessert is something special when it outshines the competition.
Clarisse’s mother developed the recipe in the 60’s when the family lived in Carrizo Springs, TX. While she has made the cheesecake all her life, she reserves the cheesecake treat for family holidays or very special occasions when she “needs a good cheesecake like this one.”
While Clarisse has made some “tweaks” to her mother’s recipe, such as baking it in a water bath, she says the secret ingredient is “a lifetime if sweet memories.” Congratulations Clarisse!
Clarisse Blair received $500 for her Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake recipe from the Texas Co-op Power Holiday Baking Contest.
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Energy-Efficient Gift Ideas Give Your Electric Bill a Vacation, Too Heading out for the holidays? Taking a vacation can be costly. A great way to save money is to give your electric bills a vacation, too. Follow these tips to ease your mind about your electric bills and let you enjoy that vacation: Unplug appliances. TVs, DVD players, VCRs, cable TV boxes, microwave ovens, coffeemakers and toasters use electricity when they’re plugged in—even when turned off. Make the refrigerator warmer. The fridge temperature can be as high as 40 degrees without spoiling food; the freezer can reach 5 degrees. These settings can save up to 40 percent on the refrigerator’s electric usage. If you are going on an extended trip, empty the fridge and turn it off. Set the thermostat higher/lower. Lowering the heat—to no lower than 55 degrees— typically can save you 10 to 30 percent on heating costs. Or you can shut the air conditioner off—or at least consider setting it higher than normal, to about 80 degrees. A programmable thermostat can make these adjustments automatically. Turn down the water heater. If you are going on a lengthy trip, turn your water heater down to the lowest setting. This can save you up to $10 a month. Use timers to turn lights on and off each night. Timers save energy and give the appearance that someone is home. Use compact fluorescent bulbs for lights that will be on the longest. They use about 75 percent less power and last up to 12,000 hours.
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Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014
This holiday season, why not give friends and family gifts that will save them
money all year long? The Energy Education Council has gift suggestions that decrease energy use and increase savings: Energy Star products. New electronics are popular holiday gifts. If you plan on buying a computer, television or home theater component for a friend, do them a favor and buy an Energy Star-certified product. Energy Star appliances use at least 20 percent less energy. They are tested for performance and features, too—not just efficiency. Programmable thermostats. The holiday season is also the home heating season. A programmable thermostat can help loved ones heat their home strategically and save money.
Rechargeable batteries and chargers. Many families have to hunt
down batteries for new gadgets and toys during the holidays. Help your friends and family prepare with a rechargeable battery set. Energy-efficient lightbulbs. Properly packed, new lightbulbs make good stocking stuffers. CFLs and LEDs are designed to last longer and use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. You can buy bright, white lights for working spaces and also warmer lights for the home. Be sure to buy Energy Star-certified lightbulbs to guarantee energy efficiency and quality. Gift certificates. A gift certificate can help get your friends and loved ones on the path to energy efficiency. One idea is a gift certificate for insulation and sealing updates: In most homes, heating and cooling is the largest part of the energy bill, Although a nontraditional gift, and an insulation upgrade is one of the energy-efficient lightbulbs—such most cost-effective ways to improve home as fluorescents and LEDs—can efficiency. Helping friends afford one really make a great holiday gift that gives energy savings all year long. would be the gift that keeps on giving! Renewable gadgets and toys. The popularity of renewable and alternative energy is growing. With new gadgets and toys, you can experience and enjoy new forms of energy in your home—including hand-crank flashlights and solar chargers. Renewables also power a variety of toys, such as solar crickets and cars that use the power of the sun to move. —Energy Education Council www.nueceselectric.org
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Use Space Heaters and Electric Blankets Safely Nothing sends chills down your spine quite like winter weather creeping its way
into your home. To save money and stay warm, many folks turn down the central heat and plug in space heaters or electric blankets. While these products may be a simple solution for the cold, they can also cause fires if caution is not used. Safe Electricity offers these tips for safely using space heaters and electric blankets: Choose a product with a safety certification. Look for the UL, ETL or CSA mark on the device. These verify that the product has been tested and is safe to use. Also, look for a space heater that has guards around heating elements and automatically shuts off if it tips over or overheats. And only use an electric blanket with an automatic shut-off designed to prevent overheating. Read and follow all instructions. Check space heaters and electric blankets before use. Cords should not be frayed, brittle or cracked. The blanket should not have any charred or dark areas. Plug space heaters directly into the outlet, and never use an extension cord. Many fires start when flammable products are placed too close to heating devices. Space heaters should be kept at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains, clothing, paper and other flammables; they also should be placed away from high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, nonflammable floor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture or countertops. Do not attempt to warm your entire home using space heaters. Space heaters are useful in small areas, such as a study or living room. If you need to keep large areas warm, your home heating system will do the job more efficiently. Pets should never be allowed to sleep close to space heaters or on top of electric blankets. Electric blanket wires should never be bent or tucked under a mattress. Always remember to turn off space heaters and electric blankets when not in use. Never leave them on unattended or after going to bed. Replace old or damaged electric blankets or space heaters. For more safety tips, visit SafeElectricity.org.
Every year, thousands of pets around the country are given as gifts during the holiday season. If you are thinking about joining this tradition, please “paws” to prepare your home before bringing a furry friend home for the holidays. Puppies and kittens are naturally curious and can turn unexpected household items—not to mention shiny, dangling ornaments—into toys. To keep your new pet and your family safe, follow this safety checklist: Keep electrical cords away from puppies and kittens so they don’t chew on them. What may seem like a mild shock to an adult may be enough to kill a small pet. Cover the cord with a heavy plastic sleeve, or ask your pet store for a bittertasting product to put on the cord. Halogen lamps should never be used in play areas. Halogen bulbs reach very high temperatures and, if knocked over during play, could easily start a fire. Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons and other items into the water. All appliances near sinks or bathtubs should be plugged into outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters. Do not allow pets to curl up for a nap behind a decorated tree or warm computer equipment. They need to learn to stay away from all electrical connections.
© iStock.com | Li lu n_Li
Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable objects, out of the path of foot traffic on a level, hard, nonflammable floor surface.
‘Paws’ To Keep Pets Safe
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Co-op Power December 2014 NEC Texas
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1.800.NEC.WATT Grand Prize An all-expense paid Youth Leadership trip to Washington, D.C. with approximatly 125 other Texas Youth Leaders, $250 spending money, and clothes for each day you are on the trip. Eligibility High school sophomores & juniors who are dependents of active NEC members. Contest Rules 1. The essay must correspond with the NEC title topic. 2. The essay must be between 300-500 words in length, typed and double-spaced 3. Questions should be addressed to: NEC Youth Tour Contest coordinator, Julie Bedsole 361-767-7321 or jbedsole@nueceselectric.org 4. The application, essay, and a photo of the contestant must be recieved bythe deadline. Judging All essays will be judged on accuracy of information, grammar, originality, and content. Winner(s) will be notified by March 31st.
2015 Short Essay Topic: As a teenager, what is your one most valued use of electricity? Name ___________________________________________________________Grade _______________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________ City, State _______________________________________________T-Shirt Size (Circle one- Unisex) S M L XL Zip Code ________________ Telephone # _____________________ E-mail ______________________________ High School______________________________City _______________________ County ___________________ To enter the Youth Tour contest, contestant’s legal guardian must be an active member of Nueces Electric Co-op:
Parents/Guardian: Father ______________________________ Mother _________________________________ NEC Account Name __________________________________ NEC Account # _____________________________ E-Mail: _________________________________ Telephone # __________________________________________ Youth Tour Winner Requirements Must be able to fly in an airplane, ride in a car, bus, or boat for up to 12 hours (with breaks) in a single day. Must be able to assist NEC in promotion of the Youth Tour program at the October Annual Membership Meeting. NEC reserves the right to select the runner up or another contestant for the Youth Tour Trip if the winner if found to be a poor representative of the Youth Tour program and NEC. The winner’s guardian must sign a waiver of release for the winner to participate on the Youth Tour. All essays become the property of Nueces Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Contestant’s Statement By signing below, I attest that I fully understand all of the rules and requirements of this contest and what will be required of me in the event I should win the contest.
Signed ______________________________________ Date _________________________________________ Submit essay entry along with this cover page and a photograph suitable for publication to: Nueces Electric Co-op, Inc.; Attn: Youth Tour Contest, 14353 Cooperative Ave, Robstown, TX 78380 or e-mail to: jbedsole@nueceselectric.org or fax to: 361.933.1178
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Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014
Essay Entries MUST be recieved before 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2015
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Calling All High School Seniors! NEC Scholarship Program Now Open For Applications Download the application and track down your GPA and your SAT/ACT! Any high school senior who is a direct dependent of a Nueces Electric Cooperative Member is eligible to apply for the Ramiro De La Paz Memorial Scholarship. The Ramiro De La Paz Memorial Scholarship is funded by escheated (unclaimed) capital credits that the state of Texas grants back to NEC to utilize for youth education programs. Download your application at www. nueceselectric.org (under Community) and submit it to Nueces Electric Cooperative by Friday, February 13, 2015.
www.nueceselectric.org
Two $4,000 scholarships and
four $1,000 scholarships Print the Application at: www.nueceselectric.org (Under Community)
Deadline:
Friday, February 13., 2015
Mail to:
Nueces Electric Cooperative Attn: Scholarship Program 14353 Cooperative Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78380
Co-op Power December 2014 NEC Texas 足足
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www.nueceselectric.org
this onsored p s C E N
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1.800.NEC.WATT
card!
Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014
Show your co-op pride and support our local children’s hospital at the same time by purchasing the NEC sponsored card.
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Notice: Collection Policy Change
Play & Win!
Members may be charged up to $25 if Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) turns your balance owed over to a Collection Agency in addition to any of the Collection Agency’s fees/charges. The member will reimburse Nueces Electric Cooperative the fees of any collection agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 50% of the debt, and all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, NEC incurs in such collection efforts. For any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Member Care department at membercare@nueceselectric.org or call 1.800.NEC.WATT (800.632.9288) extension 626.
NEC Power Provider
If Your Account Number is:
28000900
YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC before the 20th!
Competitive Retailers Qualified To Serve Consumers Located in the Nueces Electric Co-op (NEC) Electric Distribution Service Area* Updated 07/10/2014
Regardless of the company you choose as your power supplier, remember that your energy delivery needs will always be the responsibility of Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) and you have the right to contact us with questions regarding your electricity needs at any time. PLEASE NOTE: The (CRs) listed below have completed the process to qualify to serve NEC area member-consumers and you may choose one of them for your power supplier.Some of these providers do NOT serve residential services. This provider list is subject to change. Please monitor the Texas Co-op Power magazine (sent monthly to all NEC members) and/or our website at www.nueceselectric.org for updated CR provider lists. These can also be obtained at any NEC office:14353 Cooperative Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78410 (located at the intersection of CR52 & CR69); 123 County Road 1026 in Ricardo, TX; 5646 S. Hwy 281, Alice/Ben Bolt, TX; or 5302 W. FM 624, Orange Grove, TX
Competitive Retail Power Provider AFFORDABLE ENERGY, L.P./AP GAS & ELECTRIC BENEFICIAL POWER LLC – APOLLO POWER & LIGHT BLUESTAR ENERGY CHAMPION ENERGY SERVICES CONSTELLATION NEW ENERGY CORAL POWER SOLUTIONS CORAL POWER, LLC
Phone Number 1-877-544-4857 1-855-750-5556
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
866-BLUESTAR (866-258-3782)
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
1-877-653-5090
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL OVER 40,000 KWH/YEAR COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
713-767-5400
DYNEGY
877-4DYNEGY (877-439-6349)
ENERGY TRANSFER EVERYTHING ENERGY GDF SUEZ
800-375-5702
HINO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
1-866-446-6797 Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
MPOWER /MP2
1-888-202-4770
NUECES ELECTRIC CO-OP RETAIL DIVISION (NEC RETAIL) TENASKA ENCOA (TERM) SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES
E-Mail/Website COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
1-855-NEC-RD4U (1-855-632-7348) 713-341-7365 713-771-7400
LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY dms@dynegy.com COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL www.hinoelectric.com COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY www.necretail.com RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
STARTEX POWER
LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL (50 KW OR LARGER)
SOURCE POWER & GAS
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
V247 POWER
1-855-888-9888 or 1-832-629-1119
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
WPS ENERGY SERVICES IMPORTANT: NEC MEMBERS HAVE THE CHOICE TO RECEIVE EITHER 1 BILL -WITH BOTH NEC AND YOUR PROVIDER CHARGES, SENT BY
Merry
CHRISTMAS
NEC will be closed Thursday,
December 25th, and Friday, December 26th, for the Christmas holiday We will also be closed Thursday, January 1st. We wish you and yours a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
NEC -OR 2 BILLS - A BILL FROM NEC FOR DELIVERY CHARGES AND A BILL FROM YOUR PROVIDER FOR YOUR POWER SUPPLY CHARGES. December 2014 NEC Texas Co-op Power www.nueceselectric.org BE SURE TO DISCUSS YOUR PREFERRED BILLING WITH YOUR CHOSEN PROVIDER.YOUR DELIVERY CHARGES FROM NEC WILL BE THE SAME REGARDLESS OF WHO YOU CHOOSE AS YOUR PROVIDER, & REGARDLESS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ONE BILL OR TWO BILLS.
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